About Zachary B.

As a singer, I pay special attention to accents and dialects of all types. My trained ear will help you sound more natural in conversation, improve speaking and/or singing voice, and your overall communication effectiveness. I operate these lessons a bit differently than other music instruction, but the main goal is still to be as holistic and fun as possible!

About Zachary

*UPDATE: I am moving to another neighborhood in New York as of 1/31. Please bear with me as I update location information. Thank you!*

Dear Students and Parents:

My passion for performing and teaching brought me to TakeLessons as a way to enrich my immediate community (and beyond through Skype lessons!) and help individual students perform at their best. As an operatic performer, I thoroughly understand the importance of building a strong technical background for any level of singing or professional speaking. My other skills, like instrumental instruction, studying skills, accent reduction, and academic preparation are all offered through TakeLessons as well. As a teacher, I love having fun in lessons and building strong connections with my students at absolutely any level. My personal musical performing experiences span opera,

musical theater, jazz, pop, and R&B. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for singing with you, as well as any other subject we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

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Reviews

Susan Y. September 14, 2015·Speaking Voice·In studio

Zachary is a wonderful teacher. He is very patient and really understands what he student want and need. Highly recommend him for a teacher

wynoka J. August 8, 2015·Singing·In studio

Knowledgeable patient encouraging and kind! I learned some new things that help! Looking forward to next lesson!

Draaco A. May 19, 2015·Singing·In home

Great instructor, natural gifted at communicating the body mechanics, breathing, and finer points of singing.

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Zachary B.

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Zachary B.

Online

(6)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Matthew H.

I can help you with accent reduction. I have taught many ESL, ESOL, TOEFL, IELTS and TOEIC students to improve their speaking, listening, writing and reading comprehension. I will cover accent reduction, phonemes, graphemes, tongue position and common mistakes made by various nationalities. These are my specialty regions:JapanChina, TaiwanUkraine, Soviet UnionSaudi Arabia, Syria, IranBrazil, Peru, ArgentinaNigeria, MoroccoSpain, France, ItalyGermany, PolandIndia, Pakistan

About Matthew

Dear Parents and Students,

May I be a personal tutor for you or your child? I have been successfully tutoring for over 12 years. I have great references, and I am one of the top tutors because I am so easy to work with. I teach in person, or via TakeLessons classroom, telephone, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Join.me, Appear.in, Screenhero (remote desktop, screen sharing) interactive whiteboards, as well as email attachments (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.) I graduated with honors, Summa Cum Laude from Case Western Reserve University, where I made the Dean's List. I also earned a Provost Academic Scholarship for my excellent test scores, including 34 in ACT mathematics and 780 in SAT mathematics.

In addition to teaching for Cleveland schools, I currently teach 20 private sessions each week, 1st through 12th grade, as well as college stud

ents and business professionals. I have also served on the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College.

I am patient, friendly and many students tell me that I explain concepts more effectively than their teachers. I am available weekdays or weekends, days or nights, throughout the entire year. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding my experience and teaching methods. While it should go without saying, I have a clean background that has been verified by the FBI and BCII. Let me know if you would like to set up an introductory lesson to design a customized strategy. There is no obligation to continue unless a customer is 100% satisfied.

I am one of the Top Five Tutors for:1. most diverse subject matter2. widest student age range3. farthest geographical regions4. largest client base5. most hours taught monthly

Please note: I have set up my billing in thirty minute increments. Thus, I am able to offer lessons of varying lengths. However, I would appreciate longer sessions. I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to being at your service!

Reviews

Matt really helped me improve both my SAT and my AC T test scores. His explanations were clear and I thought that I learned quite a lot when I had him as a tutor.

Sheryl November 10, 2017·ACT·In home

As you can see I’ve written a review for Matthew regarding my daughters success (her test was last year) so I’d like to write one for my son also. My son was not driving at the time and Matthew agreed to drive to our home and teach him for an additional nominal fee. My son also took multiple tutoring sessions with Matthew and learned something new every time. He felt confident going into the test, confident in his ability to complete the exam and do well on it. Matthew takes his time with each individual and works with their specific needs. My children needed help in different areas of the ACT and Matthew was more than capable of helping them in those areas. My sons ACT score also went up 4 points after working with Matthew! I can’t say enough how professional, kind and thorough he is.

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Matthew H.

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Matthew H.

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(20)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Kelly M.

Throughout the past 8 years, I have successfully supported numerous students from a wide variety of native language backgrounds in fine tuning their phonetic awareness and pronunciation skills in order to achieve the accent modifications they've always desired.

About Kelly

Kelly is a highly skilled teacher who is bilingual in Spanish and English and certified to teach children, teens, and adults. With over 9 years of experience teaching around the globe, Kelly has developed a deep passion for language education. Her teaching philosophy focuses on the creation of authentic, student-centered learning opportunities that guide promote long-term success. She is an enthusiastic, charismatic teacher who is eager to design the perfect course to help you reach your language goals!

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Reviews

Gabriel March 19, 2018·Writing·Online

Great teacher, I learned so much in a little time. My writing improved due to her teaching style.

Brian March 16, 2018·Spanish·Online

Profesora Kelly is very professional and experienced; she has excellent resources for students and is flexible in lesson planning - highly recommended!

Kelly M.

Kelly M.

About Bryan P.

Improve your clarity in English. Lessons and exercises will increase your knowledge of English diction and pronunciation. Speaking more clearly, being comprehended by colleagues, and developing vocal projection.

About Bryan

Dr. Bryan Pollock, countertenor, completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts (Voice Performance) at Boston University where he taught private voice and class voice for three years in addition to holding his own voice studio. In 2013 he graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Irvine with his Masters in Fine Arts, vocal performance. In 2010 he received his Bachelors in Music from East Carolina University in vocal performance. He received vocal instruction from Dr. Lynn Eustis, Dr. Darryl Taylor, Dr. Louise Toppin, and John Kramar. His piano instructors were Dr. Keiko Sekino and Rebecca Miller. He has performed in over twenty fully-staged operatic productions and five fully-staged musical theatre productions.

Dr. Pollock has travelled extensively during his career throughout the U.S. as well as England, Austria, Italy

, Turkey, Canada, and the Czech Republic. He has a firm knowledge of German, Italian, and French vocal repertory, diction, and languages while specialising in English diction for the non-native speaker and/or singer.

During his time in Orange County, CA, he held his own music studio. While there he taught over thirty students (Ages 5-45+) voice and piano privately. Additionally, he taught as a TA for UC Irvine int he subjects of Music Theory, Voice Performance, and an introductory music course for non-majors.

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Reviews

Tom January 13, 2018·Vocal Training·In studio

Bryan is a great instructor and seriously knows what he's teaching. I would recommend him to anyone looking for voice lessons!

Aidan C. December 13, 2017·Acting·In studio

Aidan needed a good kickstar, Bryan is such a great teacher , gave my son a great introduction to acting . He is kind and an excellent motivator for kids ( our experience ) strongly recommended. Five stars

Ryan July 26, 2017·Singing·In studio

He is very professional and perfect teacher. My husband and I were so glad to find him for my son who loves singing.

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Bryan P.

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Bryan P.

Charlestown, MA 02129

(6)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Gabriel B.

I have developed a proven, groundbreaking, unique, fun and interactive approach to reduce, and in some cases eliminate the foreign accent completely. How you ask? Being a singing teacher for over 15 years, I have always found it fascinating when my foreign students would be able to sing a standard American song with NO accent. Somehow, singing completely eliminated their accent. Since that discovery, I was determined to find out why and how. Based on my research, I have created a very easy to understand method that can dramatically reduce the foreign accent.

Coming from an immigrant family myself, and being fluent in three languages (English, Spanish, Italian), I can relate to the challenges foreigners face when attempting to speak in a neutralized American accent. This can be holding you back from advancing your career.

You will see results instantly. Take the first step to propel your career to the next level!

About Gabriel

Two-Time Broadway Award Winning Actor/Singer Gabriel Burrafato has performed starring roles on Broadway, Las Vegas and International stages around the world. Known as the “Trilingual, Triple Threat”, this powerhouse of a performer has also appeared in hit shows like ABC’s “Switched at Birth”, CBS’s “Criminal Minds”, Nickelodeon and many other Principle leading roles in Feature Films and Television. His televised PBS concert “Live from the Venetian in Las Vegas”, has aired in over 350 PBS stations across North America. Most recently, Gabriel starred in his award winning portrayal of Dean Martin in the hottest show on the Las Vegas Strip called “Vegas! The Show” at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Gabriel has studied voice at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and began his career as an Apprentice Actor at the prestigious Shaw

Festival of Canada. He made his Broadway debut in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams, under the direction of 2-time Academy Award winning composer A.R. Rahman. He also starred as Lancelot in the Broadway National Tour of Camelot and Magaldi in the Broadway National tour of Evita (Harold Prince Revival). Gabriel had the distinguished honor of originating the role of the elf archer Legolas in the $30 Million Dollar, world premier production of The Lord of The Rings, directed by Tony award winning director Matthew Warchus.

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Reviews

Jacob J. February 26, 2018·Accent Reduction·Online

Gabriel has been a pleasure to work with. He is on time, on the subject, and his system is simple yet very effective. Highly recommended!

Fernando S. January 24, 2018·Accent Reduction·Online

Fantastic instructor!

Stephanie Contreras January 22, 2018·Singing·In studio

My skill improved every session! Gabriel is great because he focuses on really building a foundation for your voice! I highly recommend him!

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Gabriel B.

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Gabriel B.

Online

(24)

starting at

$35
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About Sara Ann B.

Quick analysis of how to make you more intelligible since VOICE was my reason for becoming a speech-language pathologist; customized sessions for your sound errors, how to improve your writing of short memos AND homework. Daily 30 minute practice is a necessity.

About Sara Ann

I pace our lessons andI over explain a technic to make certain the client gets the concept. Patiently and with a sense of humor we apply it to a song that is a target song the client really can "sell" and just wants the vocal know-how to do.With two masters degrees in voice and speech-language pathology, with specializing in eliminating chronic hoarseness and giving you the perfect foreign accent, I am a premier singing teacher who still sings at jazz jams sessions. I previously was a full time professor of voice and music education, a Fulbright instrumental/vocal teacher at high school level, an elementary music supervisor. In recent years, I wrote a book & videos as a licensed speech language pathologist for those with chronic hoarseness, laryngitis, & vocal nodules. Clients love how I mold technique to a song the first lesson.

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Reviews

Elvira January 14, 2018·Speaking Voice·Online

I take speaking voice lessons from Sara Ann to reduce my Russian accent.
I just love our sessions. Sara Ann is a very experienced teacher and defines essential problems right away. I am amazed by her profound knowledge of subject, intelligence, creative teaching approach, charming style and genuine desire to help her students.

Vicki June 29, 2017·Singing·In studio

I signed up for singing lesson on a whim. Sara was great; very patience and knowledgeable. Please take in consideration, I have no music or instrument background so we worked on breathing and body position which she made fun then at the end of each lesson we sang a song or two. After each lesson, I left with new knowledge and one or two thing to work on that week. For a spur of a moment decision, I obtain a new understanding of music, singing, and met a wonderful creative lady. Good Experience all around.

Tom August 21, 2016·Vocal Training·In home

A wealth of knowledge. We got down to business right away. Positive experience.

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Sara Ann B.

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Sara Ann B.

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(9)

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$25
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About Nicole B.

With my background as an actor and singer, I'll improve your speech habits so you can speak eloquently and be taken seriously.Accent reduction private lessons can be taken to improve English, French, German, and Italian.

About Nicole

Nicole is available to teach lessons for students of all levels. Beginning her singing career when she was 7, she most recently sang at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, was a winner of the international CS Competition in musical theatre, and is a Chicago F.A.M.E. finalist for Jazz and popular music. Combined with her training and professional experience, Nicole teaches singers to switch gracefully between multiple styles. She practices what she preaches: one night she might be singing Beyoncé, and the next morning she might be singing Handel's Messiah!

Nicole has been a young artist for Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Metropolitan International Music Festival, and for Tiroler Opern Programm, under international instructors, including Elizabeth Bachman (from the Metropolitan Opera), Kim Josephson (Metropolitan Opera), Sharon Cheng (Caramoor),

Michael Fennely (Carnegie Hall), Wei-En Hsu (Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra), and Candace Evans (Santa Fe Opera). Nicole earned her Associates in Theatre from Brigham Young University ('12) and went on to acquire her BM in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University ('14). Nicole obtained additional training from Boston University, Elon University, and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

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Reviews

Hikari M. August 23, 2017·Broadway Singing·In studio

Nicole is a very professional, dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. Not limited to Broadway singing, she's very knowledgeable about many different methods of singing and can teach various techniques based on how you want to showcase your voice. She's extremely caring and makes sure her students can take something from her lesson each time. Wish I could give her 10 stars!!!